Rev up the Bryce Harper hype machine  —  This was just the start.  Bryce Harper, a 17-year-old, got nearly $10 million from the Washington Nationals on Monday night, and it seems big, so big, too big.  Actually, it's just right: Welcome to the era of the proto-athlete.

Bobby Thomson, who hit the 'shot heard ‘round the world’ home run for the Giants, dies at 86  —  The man who hit the most famous home run in baseball history is gone.  —  Bobby Thomson, whose “shot heard ‘round the world” capped a best-of-three playoff and the Giants’ miracle comeback to win …

Yanks' captain can't stop seeing double  —  Like jump throw and shovel pass, DPs in danger of becoming a Jeter trademark … NEW YORK — Derek Jeter can never hope to spend all the capital he has earned being the best all-around baseball player in New York over the past 15 seasons.

Mets may try to void K-Rod's contract … The Mets are looking into the possibility of voiding closer Francisco Rodriguez's contract, SI.com has learned.  If the team is successful in doing so, they could save at least $17 million, and potentially more.  —  They are looking into whether the contract …

Diamondbacks Set Loux Free  —  The 2010 draft keeps making news even after the signing deadline has passed, with the unprecedented step Tuesday of the Diamondbacks and unsigned first-rounder Barret Loux working with the commissioner's office to make Loux a free agent on Sept. 1.

Red Sox hope Pedroia's return fuels rally  —  Back from left foot injury, second baseman set to add spark  —  BOSTON — There will be a surge of energy that permeates Fenway Park for Tuesday night's game against the Angels.  It will be felt when second baseman Dustin Pedroia takes his position at Fenway Park around 7:10 p.m. ET.

Baseball Beginnings Exclusive: Dylan Covey Bypasses Brewers; Rumored Shoulder Injury turns out to be Type 1 Diabetes; Will Play for the University San Diego  —  California high school right-hander Dylan Covey has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and will honor his commitment to play college baseball …

Red Sox reach agreement with Ranaudo  —  The Red Sox reached an agreement with right-hander Anthony Ranaudo just before the 11:59 p.m. deadline to sign picks on Monday.  —  The Red Sox signed supplemental first-round pick (No. 39 overall) Anthony Ranaudo to a $2.55 million deal …

Spaceman joins independent league at 63  —  Lee joins Can-Am League after 14 years with Red Sox, Expos  —  We may have an answer as to whether one ages in space.  —  Bill Lee, the 63-year-old former Red Sox and Expos lefty dubbed “The Spaceman” for his unorthodox behavior …

Study Says Brain Trauma Can Mimic A.L.S.  —  In the 71 years since the Yankees slugger Lou Gehrig declared himself “the luckiest man on the face of the earth,” despite dying from a disease that would soon bear his name, he has stood as America's leading icon of athletic valor struck down by random, inexplicable fate.

Shawn Chacon Loses Grievance with Astros After Ed Wade Attack  —  User Rating: / 0  —  PoorBest  —  The three-person arbitration panel, which last September heard a grievance filed by pitcher Shawn Chacon against the Houston Astros, has denied the player's grievance.